Most software applications do something.  Unfortunately as versatile as it is, the browser can be dismissed as merely a window to the Web. The basic features that allow users to follow links and add bookmarks are taken for granted. Even advanced functionality like the search bar and tabs have now become standard options. While this compatibility allows users to switch easily from one browser to another, the down side is that the more unique qualities are not readily apparent.  As web applications becoming more pervasive, the browser will either be judged by its performance or fade into the background.

Several conclusions can be drawn from the download data collected by the Mozilla Foundation for the period from 11/27/07 to 9/22/08.  During that 10-month period version 3 of the Firefox web browser was downloaded over 126 million times with 88% of these downloads coming from those using Microsoft Windows ^TM. Over 55% of those downloads were initiated using Internet Explorer, the default web browser on the Windows platform. Considering that just 5% of all downloads came from the Mac OSX browser, Safari, it's safe to say that well over 30% of the downloads coming from the Windows platform were originated using a Firefox web browser.

Credit must be given to those means that have encouraged users to stick with Firefox. For example, users are asked if they would like to make Firefox the default browser during the installation process. After starting up the browser for the first time, users are also prompted to import their bookmarks.  Despite these efforts, it still estimated that only a small portion of those who download the browser become regular Firefox users.

If you have used Firefox for a while, you'll know that it's not just another download.  As an open source project, it has an enormous advantage over competing web browsers in that it already caters to a diverse group of users.  At it's core both users and developers are interested in having the best browser around. Project leaders and programmers produce cross-platform code that can run on various computers. Many in the user community will take a new version of the browser for a test drive and report any "bugs" or problems that they encounter along the way. Others volunteers help with documentation and technical support. Their contributions are many, yet most of this happens behind the scenes and goes relatively unnoticed.

One place where the entire community may gather is Addons.Mozilla.org or AMO.  There, users can find those features that appeal to them most via Firefox Add-ons.  Firefox add-ons allow users to customize the browser to their liking. Themes can be selected to alter Firefox's appearance. New search engines can be added to the search bar and plug-ins can be installed to handle different types of multimedia. The possibilities seem limitless as the authors Firefox add-ons extend its capabilities and tailor functionality to their preference.

A main objective of AMO is to help users discover add-ons.  The system currently has user accounts and log-in is required to submit reviews. AMO was developed in PHP and uses Smarty templates. Within this framework, features planned for Q3 & Q4 of 2008 include full-text search & find-as-you-type, favorites, feeds, forums, recommendations, list makers, locale packs, and public stats for add-ons.  AMO will be a full-blown web service and major force behind the Firefox.  When combined with add-on downloads, more users will be enticed to register and participate.

The number of people that create AMO accounts will be significant for the Firefox community at large.  Firefox holds a place in the Guiness Book of Records for the highest number of downloads for a single piece of software.  That feat is impressive but does not exactly translate into userbase.  For those using add-ons, Firefox already checks the AMO repository for updates on a daily basis.  Keeping in mind that some people have downloaded the browser onto multiple computers, AMO accounts will at least provide a more certain number of individuals using the Firefox web browser.